Airport Forum in China Explores Economic Development
By John McCullough

Hartsfield-Jackson
General Manager Ben DeCosta was one of 40 Atlanta area business and
community leaders who flew to Shanghai, China, in early April to participate
in a forum about the role airports play in economic development.

“Airports as Economic Development Engines” was organized by
the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and CIFAL
Atlanta. CIFAL is a nonprofit organization that provides government and
civic leaders a forum to exchange ideas. CIFAL stands for Centre International
de Formation des Autorités/Acteurs Locaux. In English, this translates
to International Training Centre for Local Authorities/Actors.

“Fluid economic conditions will pose challenges for airports and
the aviation industry,” said DeCosta during a keynote presentation.
“It is essential that we, as industry leaders, share best practices
such as creative ways to serve our customers, smart ideas for driving efficiencies
and strategies to favorably impact the economy.”

DeCosta participated in a panel discussion on best practices in airport-driven
economic development. Representatives from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce
and the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai also participated in the
forum.

Among the attendees were representatives from the Beijing Capital International
Airport where the 2008 Olympic Games will be held. “The ’96
Olympics was a historic event for Atlanta and we’re still benefiting
from the economic impact the Games made on the Airport and the region,”
said DeCosta.